Praise for returning shoppers at Peterborough’s Queensgate ahead of new face masks rule

Putting safety first - a member of staff at the Queensgate shopping centre.

The compliment comes just days before customers will face yet another challenge to the way they shop with the compulsory wearing of face coverings in shopping malls and stores.

To help shoppers comply with the Government’s new move to stem the spread of coronavirus, face mask vending machines have been installed in Peterborough bus station and at the Boots store.

Extra signage has also been put up around the centre reminding visitors of the requirement to wear a mask or covering upon entry and throughout their visit.

A new look is a sign of the times for Peterborough Queensgate as it prepares to re-open on Monday

Mark Broadhead, centre director at Queensgate, said: “It’s now one month since non-essential retailers were permitted to reopen, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The outlook is positive for the centre as the number of people visiting Queensgate is increasing each week and shoppers are doing an exceptional job with social distancing, adhering to the “keep left” messaging and using the hand sanitiser stations provided on a regular basis.

“The increase in retail offering is exciting news for shoppers and each individual store continues to maintain their own strict entry policy with restricted numbers and most have additional hand sanitiser upon entry, giving shoppers a more relaxed and pleasurable experience for all.

He said: “We see many people wearing a form of facial covering already and people adapting to changes with very little objection.

“Visitors will have to wear a face covering from Friday (July 24) onwards for their protection and that of shop staff, but again we will adapt as per government guidelines.

“Face coverings are already necessary in all hair salons which opened last week, which included Supercuts, Michael John, and Pkai in Westgate Arcade.

“Shoppers that forget to bring a face mask can purchase them from a new vending machine in the bus station or Boots.

Mr Broadhead added: “I am extremely proud and grateful for the support of our shoppers.

“This has been quite a challenge, but their cooperation and support has meant that visiting Queensgate is a relaxed and comfortable experience for most.

“We will ensure this continues to help others make their return to us soon.”

Delight for Peterborough’s shopping centres as shoppers flock to re-opening

So far, Queensgate has seen 76 per cent of its non-essential retailers back open, with MAC and Smiggle most recently joining the retail offering.

In addition, the centre is getting ready for John Lewis & Partners to re-open their doors, after they made the announcement that their Peterborough store would re-open on July 30.

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